Speaking at a coffee morning to acknowledge those supporting the campaign, Cormac P Lally, development officer Midlands Simon, said “On behalf of Midlands Simon Community, and all the people we are working with, I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the shops, for their fantastic support. The type of example and support they have shown has been a very significant boost to our work. It is all the more appreciated given the very challenging times we are all experiencing.

“It is only with the kind of support shown by all the businesses that Midlands Simon will be able to continue to provide essential services to those experiencing homelessness. It is fantastic to see such willingness on the part of the business community work in partnership to support those in our community who need help.”

Midlands Simon Community helps people to move out of homelessness by providing a range of services and supports including emergency accommodation, supporting people to source a home, assisting people to move into their new home, and ongoing supports to enable people maintain their new home, and move out of homelessness.

The main challenges and difficulties Midlands Simon helps people to overcome are; poverty and the cycle of disadvantage, long term health and mental health difficulties, addiction difficulties, severe financial difficulties, domestic violence and abuse, relationship breakdown, and living in overcrowded, unsafe, or unsuitable accommodation.

Midlands Simon also helps people to overcome the many other issues faced by those who are homeless such as health and welfare needs, poverty, loneliness, and isolation. To date Midlands Simon has supported over 50 people in Mullingar and over 850 people across the region, and last year 40 people used their Emergency Accommodation Service.

For further information on Midlands Simon, or if you would like to help in any way, please contact Cormac P Lally at [email protected] or (087 ) 9925083, or Ciaran Whyte on (087 ) 6287038.